Pylon Proposals: James Evans MS asks First Minister for reassurance that local voices will be heard
James Evans MS asks the First Minister for an update on the Welsh Government’s position on Bute Energy/Green GEN Cymru’s proposals for pylons across Mid Wales. The First Minister confirmed that the proposals are likely to be a development of national significance and as such the Welsh Government will be decision makers on such developments. James went on to question the First Minister and ask for assurances that the Welsh Labour Government will listen to communities and follow planning advice on these proposals. James is honouring his pledge to local communities by raising this in the Senedd. The following day, James had the opportunity to once again quiz the Minister for Climate Change Julie James MS on the pylon proposals. Welsh Government’s policy on new power lines is that they should “go underground where possible” and she dismissed concerns that this development was largely outside of pre-assessed areas saying “this does not mean they can’t go anywhere else”.
James Evans MS said:
“The response from the First Minister was very telling as he stated, ‘any decisions are challengeable in the Courts and open to judicial review’. We know from experience of judicial reviews that this process rarely changes decisions.”
“The Minister for Climate Change response was also disappointing. What was the point of the pre-assessed areas and the National Development Framework if anyone can apply outside of these areas. Its yet again a Welsh Government policy which is not worth the paper its written on”
“As I said in the Chamber, I am concerned that anyone with a large enough cheque book can do what they want in Mid Wales! I am yet to receive assurances from either the First Minister or Minister for Climate Change that local voices will be heard and taken into account in this process.”
